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Automation Innovation Project Manager

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Date: Nov 5, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 79628

 

The company built on breakthroughs. ​  
Join us.​                                      

                                        

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.  ​  

 

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. ​  

 

​At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.​   

 

​Come break through with us.  



Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

Scope of Position:

At Corning, we invent life-changing technologies through our Optical Connectivity Solutions organization. To support that work, we are seeking an experienced Automation Innovation Project Manager to lead automation innovation projects from concept through implementation.

In this role, you lead cross-functional efforts across Technology, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to bring new ideas to life. You drive execution, navigate complexity, align stakeholders, and deliver high-quality solutions that meet customer needs.

If collaborative, fast-paced technical environments energize you and you enjoy bringing innovation to life, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional teams in executing automation innovation projects through early-stage development
  • Drive project execution to meet scope, budget, manufacturing and quality targets
  • Manage priorities, dependencies, risks, and change throughout an agile project lifecycle
  • Proactively secure resources and work across functions to remove roadblocks and resolve constraints
  • Communicate project status, key decisions, risks, and escalation needs to stakeholders and leadership
  • Facilitate collaboration, resolve conflicts, and enable effective decision-making across teams
  • Drive continuous improvement of project management tools, methods, and best practices

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
  • 7+ years of project management experience in automation or equipment development
  • Proven experience leading cross-functional technical projects
  • Strong project planning, execution, and organizational skills
  • Familiarity with customer requirements, trade-off analysis, and structured decision-making
  • Ability to work effectively in a matrixed, cross-functional, and global environment
  • Ability to build trust and credibility across teams and stakeholders
  • Comfort navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Strong ownership and accountability for project outcomes
  • High integrity and alignment with organizational values

Desired Skills

  • Advanced degree and/or PMP certification
  • Experience in high-speed automation or high-precision equipment development
  • Experience with manufacturing processes related to optical products
  • Knowledge of telecommunications or data center product design, application, and testing
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Travel

  • Up to 25% of domestic and international travel based on project needs

 

 

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

 

The range for this position is $155,994.00 - $214,493.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

 

A job that shapes a life.  

Corning offers you the total package.  

 

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.  
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.


Nearest Major Market: Hickory

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